Seeing All Sides: Grad School

Showing posts with label Grad School. Show all posts

Christmas Numero Uno & Graduation

So before we were officially on break and before we all got miserably sick and before the craziness of the last week and a half, we celebrated Christmas numero uno with my family. Since we were with the Sides' clan in Wichita this year, the Fritz clan came to KC the weekend of the 15th. Not only did they come to celebrate Christmas, but after a year and a half of hard work and dedication, I finally graduated with my masters degree, so the fam attended my graduation ceremony, as well. It was a busy, but fun, weekend!

Let me just say I'm so glad to have participated in my grad ceremony. I initially didn't think I wanted to, but after a little convincing from a friend/classmate, I decided I put in way too much effort (and money) not to participate. It was a nice, little ceremony for just Masters in Education graduates, so not too terribly long, and it was a good feeling to walk across that stage. Though I had most of my course work finished before Brantley's arrival in July, I still had to complete two classes and the huge portfolio project. I'm very proud of myself for balancing a new baby, a full time job, and class. Thanks for the fam for attending my ceremony...I know those things aren't the most fun. And thanks to the hubs for the support throughout the past year and a half. I know there were some stressful Sundays and I bet you're just as glad I'm finished as I am! :)

Christmas was a great time! It was fun to get the boys together and, as expected, Gramma and Papa were way too generous! The big present? A Radio Flyer wagon! I think Craig and I were more excited than Brantley! The funny part? I told my mom a few months ago that a wagon would be a good gift idea. Little did I know, she has already bought one for each boy last summer! Great minds think alike, Mom!

We also took both boys to Bass Pro Shop for a Santa visit. I think my dad was excited, as this is his favorite store!

Here's some more pictures from the weekend in mid-December with my family.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Tonight I'm flying solo. No hubby. No baby. They're both in Wichita for the night (and day tomorrow). Craig is there for work and wanted to give his mom some QT with her youngest grand baby. Understandable, but it's incredibly hard for this momma. I may have cried this morning. Silly, I know. But it's hard. A feeling you never really understand until you're a mom.

I'm trying to take advantage of the quiet time. I cleaned a bit. Organized some. Watched DWTS. Tutored. Went to the eye doctor. And now catching up on the blog.

Did I mention, I finished my portfolio project?! Woo hoo! A whole 39 hours before the deadline. That's pretty good for this procrastinator! Now I just have three more weeks of my last class and then I'll be done with homework for good. For life. I. Can't. Wait.

Alright, on to the purpose of this post. Our Thanksgiving recap. This year was our year with my family in Iowa. We spent Thanksgiving day with my mom's side. My sister and brother-in-law hosted. Though that side of the fam is the smaller side, we definitely enjoyed ourselves. Lots of great food and a pretty interesting Game of Things. Things I learned. Never play with your dad. And always play with Craig. His answers were hilarious.

Meanwhile, Brantley and Kellen enjoyed their time together and played on the floor for hours.

On Friday, we hung out at my parents' house, watched the Iowa game, and went to the town square Christmas lighting. It's no Plaza lighting, but it's pretty big time for the small town of Fairfield, Iowa. Friday is when the weather decided to get cold. Like 30-degree cold. Colder with the wind. But we braved the chilliness for some festiveness.

Saturday was freezing cold again. I pretended to be a photographer and took some family photos for my sister and brother-in-law. They turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. Especially considering my fingertips were freezing in the 20-degree weather! Of course, I freaked out and took most of the pics on auto mode. Hopefully that changes after my class this weekend.

Saturday was also my dad's 55th birthday. Check out these cupcakes I decorated! (Inspiration from Pinterest.) Little fishing poles (pretzels) with {gold} fish and a pond of blue water (frosting). Happy birthday, Dad! Glad we got to spend the day with you!

Saturday night was Thanksgiving #2 with my dad's side. Hosted by my aunt and uncle. My dad has 7 siblings. There are 17 grandkids and 7 great grandkids. My point being - get-togethers can be pretty loud. Since I didn't think to get a family picture on Thanksgiving day, I got a belated one on Saturday night.

We left early Sunday morning and arrived home by 11:30. We spent the afternoon Christmas shopping! And boy was it fun shopping for our baby's first Christmas! The sweet, little guy slept right through the toy aisle and had no idea his gifts were mere inches from him in the cart. :)

Oh, one more blog-worthy item from the long weekend. Brantley has his first taste of rice cereal! He was a champ! Even open and closed his mouth for the spoon! I'm not sure how much was actually digested, but it was a good start. Here are the pics!

And a few more pics of the little man in Iowa.

I hope everyone had a great weekend! For me, the Christmas {break} countdown is on!

Road Trippin'

And we're off!

Well, not quite. But in 12 short hours, we'll be cruisin' somewhere through the Midwest en route to our final destination of Greenville, South Carolina.

We're excited.

Our first big road trip as a couple. Our first road trip with a baby.

Oh yeah...and we're also taking our dog!

A family vacation, if you will. :)

Crazy? Perhaps.

Greenville is about 15 hours from here. That I am not excited about.

But I am excited for our mini vacay. And for my cousin's wedding, which is the reason we're going. And to wear my new, yellow bubble necklace. And to see my parents. And to introduce Brantley to his great grandparents, great aunt and uncle, and second cousins. Fun stuff!

Check out this sweet thing we got for our car.

Despite an SUV, we were worried about fitting everything. Babies need a lot, ya know! I thought packing was stressful before...now I have to worry about a breast pump, baby formula, and diapers among a million other baby "goods"! And I haven't even started yet. I've been too focused on my long term sub plans...which are finally done...and the last week of my master's class. That's done, as well! (Which means one measly class to go!)

Speaking of sub plans, I finalized them with HR yesterday. I'm not going back until October 22! Woo hoo! Taking off one entire quarter to spend with my little man! The control freak in my has been freaking out about leaving everything perfect for my sub. And of course, not being there to set the tone with my classes.

But now that my laptop has been turned over to my sub, I'm done with work and done worrying about it.

Alright, better go start packing. Follow my Instagrams if you want picture updates of our trip!

But first, a special happy 4th birthday to my first "baby", Kinnick! We love you, little K-dog!

Call Me Crazy

So, I'm doing homework on this Easter Sunday. Or should I say, blogging to avoid doing homework? Ha! We wish we could spend the holiday with family in Iowa or Wichita, but unfortunately, my masters class calls and I have homework due tonight at midnight like every other Sunday. I probably could have completed it during the week, but with tutoring, a staff bridal shower I helped host, the national championship game, and 40+ hours of work, I just wasn't motivated to do so. And stress to finish assignments early was the last thing I wanted. So, here I sit, in between assignments, blogging to wish everyone a happy Easter!

Speaking of classes, I signed up for my second and third-to-last classes last week! I'm taking one during Summer Session I (mid May through June) and another during Summer Session II (mid July through August). In fact, summer II begins on July 9........as in the day our baby is due!! Am I crazy to start a class the same day? Yep, probably. But it's an online elective class taught by a teacher I've had before...twice....and both times she was WAY easy. I hate to pass up a class I need, when I know it will be an easy A.

And I just really want to finish my MAEd program as soon as possible. If that means completing homework with a one-day-old baby in my arms, it's what I'll do!

After August, I will have ONE class to go, in which I hope to finish while on maternity leave. I'm SO ready to be done!! I think I mentioned before, my classes aren't difficult by any means. I just hate the thought of homework hanging over my head each week. Ugh.

However, the light at the end of the tunnel is near. I'll be so happy to finish so I can focus on other things in life, like family, and so we can spend future holidays, like Easter, with those loved ones far away!

Update: Grad School

As of Monday, I've completed 21 of 36 hours towards my masters degree! Woo hoo! It seems like just yesterday when it all began...remember how nervous I was? And now you're looking at Mrs. 4.0 straight A student. Let's be realistic though, how hard is that, really? With these classes, I feel like if you do the work, you automatically get an A. But...I will make myself feel better and say it's because I'm awesome. :) Regardless, I'm just happy I'm over half-way done!

I started another 3-hour, 7-week class this week that will end around Spring Break time. I'm taking another 3-hour class from then until sometime in May. I'm a bit nervous for these two terms because they are hard-core education classes. My last few have been electives (electives=easy). I haven't taken one of the required education classes since last summer...when I was not also teaching 40+ hours a week. Or pregnant. But I'll just keep-on-a-truckin'! And hope it's all over soon!

I plan to continue one class per session through Summer Session I (the end of June), and then I'll take a break. (You know, to have a baby and all.) At that time, if all goes as planned, I'll only have two classes to go! Between summer and maternity leave, I hope to finish sometime next fall.

So, there's my update! Can't wait til I can cash in (literally) on this additional degree!

Lately

Well, hello there blogger friends! It's been awhile! The beginning of the school year is always so exhausting! I think Casey said it best - I could work for 24 hours straight and still not feel caught up! Of course, that's party due to my OCD-tendencies of perfecting everything even more than I have over the last four years, but busy I've been nonetheless! The first week of school also coincided with the last week of my summer II session of grad classes. Ahhh!! And of course, I did exactly what I tell my kids not to do and procratinated on an assignment until the last possible minute. I was up til 1a.m. the night before it was due. (Oops!) It all paid off though: add two more As to my transcript! :) And I'm now 1/3 of the way done! Crazy how fast it's going! I had a week off, but am back at it again! Fall term 1 brings an elective class - Pop Culture: Societal Impact. Ha! It will be a nice break from the ordinary education class! And it's online. No more Wednesday night class from 6-10 for awhile. Thank goodness!

In other news, year five (!!) of school is underway! So far, so good! I'm still trying to figure out the dynamics of each of my classes, but I think I've got some pretty good ones this year! (Ask me again in 2 months and I'm sure I'll say otherwise...) It's my 2nd year of teaching no new preps--pretty awesome I must say! I feel like I have a great grasp on all three courses I teach. I gave up coaching the dance team this year. I must say, it's amazing to be able to leave everyday at 3:30!!! Of course, rarely have I gotten out of there that early, but it's nice to have the option. I miss the girls, but see them often enough in the halls. I also look forward to attending some of the games as a spectator, but not having to go to every single one of them! Since I'm not doing dance, I've signed up for the district fitness classes (which start in a couple of weeks). Yikes! We'll see how that goes...

In home improvement news, we got new kitchen countertops (granite!), tile backsplash, and a sink in our kitchen! Slowly, but surely, we are transforming this house big time! We love how it all turned out! I especially love the deep, undermount 60/40 sink! Now, if only we could redo those ugly orange cabinets. We've mentioned either painting them white, or restaining them a darker color. Thoughts?? I guess I shouldn't say "we". I think we might hire someone to do it, if anything! And probably later than sooner. But maybe eventually. Here are a couple pics of our "new" kitchen! The quality isn't the best. Our Mac isn't working right now, and I can't upload photos to my work computer, so these cell phone pics will have to do!

We went to Wichita last weekend for none other than Craig's 5-hour fantasy football draft. Oh, yeah, 5 hours of that crap! Crazy boys and their fantasy football! Meanwhile, I hung with his mom and went to the Maize High School pancake fundraiser with the entire fam. We also enjoyed a BBQ on Saturday night with his growing family. (Monica is pregnant with her 3rd--due in February. That will make seven between his two sisters!)

The weekend prior to that was my 10-year high school class reunion. We didn't end up going. :( I would have liked to, but it seemed so unorganized I didn't know how many people would actually show up. According to facebook, it was a fun time. We'll try for the 15th, I guess! Being out of high school for 10 years seems so crazy! There are days when it seems like far more than that, and there are days that it seems like yesterday. It really reminds me how much older I am than all of my students!

Remember those free flight vouchers we got? Well, I think we're using them for a trip to NYC in November! We were planning to use them to go to San Diego until Craig's friend, Brian, called two weeks ago and said he and his finace, Heather, are planning a November NYC wedding! Count us in, for sure!

That's all I can think of for now! That's our life lately! Nothing too exciting. I'll try to be better with blogging now that I'm into more of a routine!

Ray Concert

A couple weeks ago, we went to the Ray LaMontagne concert at Starlight. Ray is the hubby's favorite singer--so much so that our first dance song was one of his. The opening act was Brandi Carlile, a favorite of our Wichita friends Brandon and Jessica, so they played hookie to go with us!

Starlight is aweomse, if you ever get the chance to go. Well, except the $12 igloo margs (yes, I call them margs Brandon!). They're good, but $12??? And I spilled about $4 of ~~mine~~ my first one. Oops.

The weather was awesome, concert was great, and night was perfect. We even made a late-night trip to Micky D's on the way home. Good times for sure...

I wasn't feeling too hot when I had to get up early the next morning for summer school (probably better than I would have had I not eaten a 6-piece Chicken McNugget though). I guess that's the beauty of summer.

On a side note, I had to skip class for the concert, which meant an extra 3-5 page compare/contrast paper on the topics from that night. I was so stressed about it so the hubs convinced me not to write it. And I still got an A in the class! =) I don't even think my teacher remembered!

Here are the concert pics!